Whether you’re visiting Dublin on a business trip or as part of an enchanting Irish holiday, you’ll likely want to at least dip your little toe into its famous nightlife as well. To help you do just that, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cocktail bars in Dublin. After all, how better to wind down from a long day of meetings or sightseeing than with a delightfully delicious drink in one of the most charming cities in Europe?
First, it’s important to point out that there are A LOT of bars in Dublin – over 750, to be more precise! If you’re just after a Guinness, any one of them will do. For something a little more sumptuous, however, you’re going to need to be a tad pickier. Fortunately, whether you prefer your cocktails classy and classical or fancy yourself as somewhat more experimental, there’s a cocktail bar in Dublin for you.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are our nominations for the best cocktail bars in Dublin.
Vintage Cocktail Club
15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin
As the name suggests, Vintage Cocktail Club is a place of opulent style and old school charm. Located behind a ‘secret’ doorway in the Temple Bar neighbourhood, you’re sure to feel like a VIP as you sample the delicious mixes while mingling amongst the elegant furnishings or hanging out on the delightful rooftop terrace.
Peruke & Periwig
31 Dawson St, Dublin
From the outside, Peruke and Periwig looks like just another run of the mill Irish pub, and the ground floor is more or less just that. Yet above it, you’ll find a number of snazzy lounges that are sure to bring out your inner bohemian. With dazzling cocktails and delicious Irish food to match, it’s a great spot to spend a night out in Dublin.
Bow Lane Social Club
17 Aungier St, Dublin
It may not be the most creatively named cocktail bar on the list, but Bow Lane Social Club is undoubtedly one of the gems of the Dublin nightlife scene. It’s cosy, understated and offers some of the best cocktails and modern Irish food in town. With ample table space and several intimate booths, it’s great for hanging out in a group or taking your partner on a romantic date that should end well after a few pretty yet potent cocktails.
The Ivy Dublin
13-17 Dawson St, Dublin
If lavish locations and high-end drinks are your thing, The Ivy Dublin won’t disappoint. This bright and lively venue offers craft cocktails made with the finest spirits and ingredients. The venue itself is just as impressive, packing in plenty of colour and gaudy, ornate finishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as the drinks are for the palette.
NoLita
64 South Great George’s Street, Dublin
If ritzy joints with New York swagger and Italian style tend to tickle your fancy, NoLita should be one of the first stops on your night out in Dublin. The space is divided into several unique areas, including a glamorous main bar, a lounge area fit for Don Corleone himself, a lovely garden that is perfect for boozy brunches and a vibrant club where you can quite easily dance an entire night away.
Sophie’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
33 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin
With a gorgeous terrace that is perfect for sundowners on those sunny Dublin days and a restaurant that boasts 360° views of the city, Sophie’s is the perfect location for those wishing to soak up the city while enjoying a few yummy cocktails and a good meal. With plenty of natural light and open space, it offers something a little different to many of the other cocktail bars on this list.
R.I.O.T
4 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin
Another Dublin cocktail bar that offers a totally unique atmosphere is the appropriately named Riot. Inspired by the industrial, anarchist style of Berlin, this venue is all about cooky fusions and retro mixes combined with eclectic entertainment in the form of live music, DJs, arcade games and pool. At Riot, everything is on the table, including salacious slushies, playful tiki drinks and much more!
The Lucky Duck
43 Aungier St, Dublin
Set in a Victorian townhouse and furnished in a style to match, The Lucky Duck exudes elegance and elevates the traditional Irish pub into something far more memorable. While the decor may be reminiscent of a different time, the drinks menu can only be described as cutting edge. There’s also a sufficiently tempting selection of tapas and small plates if you get a craving for something a little more solid.
The Liquor Rooms
6-8 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin
Be transported back in time to an era of cabaret and speakeasies with this atmospheric basement venue located in the Temple Bar neighbourhood. Along with its vintage trappings, The Liquor Rooms offers a wide selection of innovative cocktails and fantastic live entertainment. If you’re up for a bit of good old-fashioned fun, look no further.
9 Below
9 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin
9 Below may be another basement bar, but it’s undoubtedly an upscale setting that will have you feeling like a superstar all night long. Serving some of the most creative cocktails in Dublin, it’s a great spot to go if you fancy original infusions and out-there ingredients.
Farrier & Draper
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 William St, Dublin
Like quite a few other cocktail bars on this list, Farrier & Draper is located in the famous Temple Bar neighbourhood. This plush venue is spread over three floors and has multiple bars that serve an impressive array of cocktails and just about any other kind of booze you might want to get your hands on.
Café En Seine
40 Dawson St, Dublin
What better way to round off our list than with another stunning themed cocktail bar. This time, we’re going to Paris! Café En Seine evokes true french style with its opulent interiors, ornate furnishings and delightful botanicals. Offering equally extravagant cocktails, decadent food and a variety of live entertainment, it’s yet another amazing Dublin cocktail bar that is well-worthy of your consideration.
